Reputedly introduced into Britain in the fifteenth century, the sycamore is now considered to be a native species. Being part of the Acer family, it is quite similar in appearance to the maple although it is not as hard.

Sycamore is prized for its creamy white colour which is preserved through the use of special drying techniques and by felling the trees during the winter months when the sap is down.

Appearance
Waney edge boards of sycamore will be supplied with wane (bark) on one or two edges.

The sap wood of sycamore is indistinguishable from the heart wood which is also a creamy white. Dark green and brown mineral streaks will occasionally be present in the wood.

Sycamore is generally straight grained but in places it may become curly especially near the base of the tree.

The most prized sycamore is described as rippled which means there is a regular wave in the grain. Rippled sycamore when cut exhibits a stunning three-dimensional figure which becomes more pronounced after polishing. The most heavily figured sycamore is sometimes referred to as ‘fiddleback’ because of its use in the construction of high grade musical instrument cases.

To avoid disappointment please make an appointment before arriving at either yard to select sawn timber.

Technical Specification

Common name

Sycamore

Other names

Great Maple

Family

Aceraceae

Genus

Acer pseudoplatanus

Unit of sale

M3 (Cubic meters) (1M3 = 35.315 Ft3)

Kiln dried weight

Approx 630KG / M3

Specification

Supplied in waney edge sawn boards

Width range

150mm – 250mm +

Dimensions

Description

Board
thickness (mm)

Board
thickness (“)

Kiln dried boards

27 / 32 / 41 / 54 / 80

1 / 1¼ / 1½ / 2 / 3

Kiln dried boards

100

4

Moisture content

Description

Board
thickness (mm)

Moisture
content

Kiln dried Boards

27 – 54

10 – 14%

Kiln dried Boards

65 – 100

12 – 18%

Durability

BS EN350-2. Non durable. Perishable

Workability

+ Fine finish from straight grained wood. Silky grain for painting and staining– Can spring after cutting. Curly grain will pick up during machining

Grades available

Sycamore is available in the following grades but please note that not all thicknesses are available in all the grades:

First Joinery
This is our standard joinery grade where only occasional knots up to 40mm diameter are accepted. The grain may be slightly angled and some colour variation is likely. Larger knots and defects will be measured out. Centre splits are accepted but a suitable reduction in measure will be applied.Accepted: Grain deviation, occasional knots up to 40mm, dark mineral streak. Other isolated defects if measured out.Not accepted: Rot, excessive worm attack.

Second
Suitable for the frames of covered furniture where strength is more important than visual appeal. Knots and defects are accepted providing there is a good proportion of cutting available. Centre splits are accepted but a suitable reduction in measure will be applied.Accepted: All knots and defects.Not accepted: Rot, excessive worm attack.